“High immunization rates are one of the best ways that we can keep our residents healthy,” said Dr. Caroline Johnson, Acting Deputy Health Commissioner. “When we vaccinate people, we prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases. We save lives.”
Author: Jim
Philadelphia: more progress protecting our children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new data that show that Philadelphia is protecting its residents from dangerous diseases with immunization rates that are among the highest in the country.
High immunization rates prevent disease outbreaks – and Philadelphia’s immunization rates are frequently higher than nationwide rates, meeting national goals and protecting our population from preventable diseases.
https://admin.phila.gov/2018-09-05-philadelphia-more-progress-protecting-our-children/
Response to Rosenstein OpEd 3
“Just as local governments had to lead during the HIV epidemic, cities like ours will be on the forefront of saving lives in the opioid crisis,” James Garrow, a spokesman for Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, said in a statement Tuesday. “The federal government should focus its enforcement on the pill mills and illegal drug traffickers who supply the poison that is killing our residents, not on preventing public health officials from acting to keep Philadelphians from dying.”
Overdose Awareness Day Press Release
PHILADELPHIA–In response to a public health crisis unlike anything in the last century, the City of Philadelphia recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day. This is a global event held on August 31st every year that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.
https://mailchi.mp/phila.gov/international-overdose-awareness-day-and-new-online-city-resources
Overdose Awareness Day Recognition
Philadelphia had close to 1,300 overdose deaths last year — the vast majority from opioids — and almost 300 in the first quarter of this year. And if you think those statistics are far removed from your life and reflect a moral failing on the part of the victims, Health Department spokesman James Garrow says, that is exactly why the city chose to observe this day.
“This day really hopes to bring it out into light that overdose happens to regular people and we should all be more cognizant of the humanity that’s suffering with these problems,” Garrow said.
By Pat Loeb
STD Rates in Philadelphia
As the city has stepped up its screening efforts, it has documented more new cases, said Dr. Lenore Asbel, a medical specialist with the department.
“I don’t know if there is a substantial increase as much as there is an increase in our being able to find people who are infected,” she said.
https://whyy.org/segments/stds-are-up-in-philadelphia-across-the-country/
By Darryl C. Murphy
Breastfeeding Ads on Good Day Philly
Billboards are popping up around the city of Philadelphia promoting breastfeeding among women of color.
Upper Roxborough Mosquito Spraying, 8/29/2018
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Vector Control staff is planning to apply treatments to control adult mosquitoes on Wednesday evening, August 29th, at or around dusk, in a section of Upper Roxborough. Weather permitting, spraying will take place at the Upper Roxborough Reservoir located between Port Royal and Summit Avenues between Lare and Eva Streets.
Response to Rosenstein OpEd 2
A spokesperson for the city said in an email that federal authorities were focusing on the wrong thing.
“The federal government should focus its enforcement on the pill mills and illegal drug traffickers who supply the poison that is killing our residents, not on preventing public health officials from acting to keep Philadelphians from dying,” the spokesperson said. “Instead of threatening cities and states, they should bring possible solutions to the table that will save lives.”
By John Mitchell
Black Breastfeeding Week Ads
he division set out to find women that the city’s health clinics served and use their images for billboards and promotional material to be distributed as part of the Philly Loves Breastfeeding campaign.
“Our campaign just shows real Philadelphia moms throughout the city breastfeeding their baby — just normal, not a big deal, this is how you feed a baby,” Kinsman said.
By Nina Feldman
The Collected Works of Jim Garrow 